James said it with the kind of grin reserved for lottery winners and people who manage to pull out their USB on the first try.
"Right. Of course. A system. In my head. Because that's a normal thing that happens to underperforming Humanities majors."
"Would you like an overview of the system's core functions?"
"Oh, please, Siri 2.0. Enlighten me. Preferably in English. Or sarcasm, since I speak both fluently."
"Acknowledged. I am KHCS. Knowledge Hour Conversion System. My core protocol is to convert your lifetime of accumulated reading time into functional currency, enabling the instant acquisition of knowledge, skills, and related advantages."
James blinked.
"Wait, wait, wait. Say that again, but slower. And with more disbelief."
"You have read for 12,487 hours. That time is now your balance. One hour = one KHCS unit. These units can be spent to acquire skills, knowledge, abilities, and practical advantages."
James stared. "So… I can buy knowledge. Like, with hours I already spent doing nothing but binge-reading about sword-wielding catgirls and medieval tax law?"
"Correct."
"…This has to be a scam. Where's the popup asking for my credit card?"
"KHCS is not affiliated with any third-party monetization platform."
James snorted. "Okay, now I know this is fiction."
"Would you like a breakdown of your current reading hour value?"
"Please. Let's see what years of avoiding social interaction has earned me."
The screen flashed, revealing another panel.
Reading Log Synced
Total Recorded Reading: 12,487 Hours
Conversion Rate (Base): 1.0
Total Usable Units: 12,487 KHCS Units
Efficiency Modifier: 0.60 (Upgradeable)
Skill Marketplace: Locked
Passive Pathways: Locked
Marketplace Access: Next Synchronization Cycle
James stared for a moment, then gave a low whistle.
"So... I've been hoarding EXP this whole time like a socially anxious squirrel?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes."
"And I can just… spend these to instantly learn stuff? Like, no flashcards, no crying in group projects, just bam, I know Java?"
"Correct. Though cost scales with complexity and origin proficiency. All conversions are based on realistic human learning curves, minus fatigue and repetition."
"...So, like, if it normally takes someone 500 hours to learn something, I can get it for 300?"
"Approximately. Your current Efficiency Modifier reduces cost by 40%. This may improve with system milestones."
James scratched his head. "Okay. Question. If I use this thing to 'buy' a skill… do I actually know it? Or is this like when I 'knew' math in 11th grade but only during the test window?"
"System integration applies neural familiarity, conceptual memory, and procedural skill modeling. Short answer Yes, you know it. Long answer You will understand and apply it as if you learned it naturally."
"Holy crap," James breathed. "I'm finally gonna be able to pretend I know what's going on in an economics class."
"You will no longer need to pretend."
"Even better."
He sat back, blinking at the ceiling.
His brain used to handling large fantasy world maps and convoluted plot twists was struggling to keep up with reality for once.
"Okay, but hold on," James said, pointing an accusatory finger at the air. "Why me? Why now? Is this some karmic reward for not skipping required readings in high school?"
"Unknown. KHCS activation conditions are user-specific. No prophecy or selection algorithm was involved."
"Wait, wait you're telling me this isn't some Chosen One, great destiny kind of deal?"
"Negative."
"…So I'm not special?"
"Your accumulated reading time exceeds 99.98% of global averages. That is not common. However, no metaphysical importance is attached."
James squinted at the screen.
"That's the most backhanded compliment I've ever received. Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Another thought occurred to him.
"Alright, smart system. Let's say I spend, like, 500 hours on learning Mandarin. Do I speak it fluently? Do I write, read, order food, win arguments online what's the deal?"
"The system models real-world proficiency based on existing global benchmarks. In that case, you would reach HSK Level 5 equivalent. Literacy, conversational fluency, and cultural context awareness included."
James whistled again. "So basically, I get to be the guy who flexes in group projects without actually doing the homework."
"Correct."
"I can finally be that guy. I've waited years for this."
He tapped his chin, suddenly thoughtful. "Okay. So the hours are currency. They're finite. That means if I spend them all, I'm done?"
"Unless you continue reading."
James blinked. "Wait what?"
"Additional hours may be acquired through active reading while the system is online."
"Don't tease me like that. I can grind hours?"
"Yes. One hour of focused reading equals one KHCS Unit. Multi-source input boosts retention-based bonuses."
James's jaw dropped.
"So… you're telling me the thing I already do for fun… is now a skill tree farming mechanic?"
"That is one interpretation."
He laughed. Loudly. "I am the most overpowered bookworm on Earth."
"You are currently ranked #37 worldwide by KHCS input."
"…Wait, there are more of me?"
"With System no but more Nerdy than you yes. Access to leaderboard data is restricted until further system synchronization."
He exhaled slowly and stood, pacing the room.
This was… absurd.
Unbelievable.
And yet, here it was.
Not a dream.
Not a prank.
He wasn't strong.
He wasn't brave.
He didn't have a sword or magic or some ancient bloodline.
He just had reading hours.
Thousands of them.
And now?
Now they finally meant something.
"You know," he said, glancing up at the glowing interface, "I spent years thinking I'd wasted all that time. Like… everyone said it. 'Get off the computer.' 'Stop reading so much crap.' 'Go outside.'"
He chuckled. "Joke's on them. I was investing in my future like a depressed Warren Buffet."
The system was silent.
"…That was a joke."
"Acknowledged."
James nodded. "Okay. Last question for now what can't I do?"
"Current version does not permit reality manipulation, physical transformation, or time alteration. KHCS specializes in real-world applications of learned knowledge and abilities. Marketplace access pending."
"Right, so no flying, no shooting lasers, no time travel."
"Correct."
"Cool. Just checking. I didn't want to wake up tomorrow and accidentally know how to build a death ray."
"That feature is locked until Engineering Mastery Tier 5."
James blinked. "Wait, what?"
"Just kidding."
"…Oh my god. You have jokes?"
"Humor module experimental."
James grinned. "I like you, system."
"Likewise, James Rivera. Synchronization on going."