"Ding."
[CONDITIONS MET]
[ACTIVATING SYSTEM...]
[ENTITY DEVOURING SYSTEM... ACTIVATED]
[THE HOST HAS ENCOUNTERED A SUPERNATURAL ENTITY...]
[KILL HER OR BANISH HIM TO HIS DIMENSION TO ABSORB SOME OF HIS POWERS]
Liam was left completely in shock, as if time itself had stopped around him. His eyes opened slightly, his breath froze in his chest, and a shiver ran down his spine. For a second, he even forgot where he was; he could only stare into the void while his mind struggled to process what had just appeared before him.
"D–did something happen?" Carrie asked nervously, tilting her head a little to the side. She hugged herself instinctively, as if the sudden change in Liam's expression had sparked a jolt of fear in her. Her fingers tightened around her arms while she searched for his gaze.
Liam blinked and snapped out of his thoughts abruptly. He shook his head slightly, as if chasing away a bad dream."Uh, no… sorry, I just remembered something suddenly."
Only then did he realize he was still holding Carrie's hand—and he let go of it clumsily and with a bit too much haste, as if it had suddenly burned him. Carrie lowered her gaze immediately, as though losing that small contact had made her shrink even more.
"Well… I have to go for today, I'll see you another day." Liam said while staring at an undefined point. He was already thinking about the urgency of finding a quiet place to investigate everything about the system. He rubbed the back of his neck with tension, trying to maintain his composure.
"Uh, o–okay… see you," Carrie replied softly. She looked at her own hand—the one he had released—as if expecting to still find the warmth of his touch there. Disappointment subtly marked her eyes, and her posture curled in on itself a little.
Liam noticed that gesture, that shadow of sadness Carrie didn't know how to hide. Something in his chest tightened."I'll look for you tomorrow," he said more firmly, stepping closer to her as if trying to make up for the earlier moment. "I need to start training you so they stop bullying you."
Carrie lifted her gaze, surprised, her eyes opening a bit wider. A warm emotion spread across her face, breaking her sad expression."Y–yes…" she murmured, letting a small, shy smile appear on her lips. Her hands intertwined nervously over her skirt, unable to hide the hope those words stirred in her.
"Goodbye," Liam said, and without waiting any longer, he ran off in the direction of his house. His steps echoed against the ground as if he were fleeing both the system and the emotions he didn't want to acknowledge.
"G–goodbye…" Carrie whispered. The smile returned, discreet but real. She stayed there, watching him run until he disappeared from view. Then she lowered her head, letting her bangs fall forward as her shyness wrapped around her again… though this time accompanied by a small glimmer of hope.
Liam had already reached home and was now in his room, sitting on the edge of his bed. The room was silent, barely lit by the soft light coming through the window. His legs swung nervously without him noticing, and his gaze was lost on a spot on the floor.
He remembered fragmented bits about these "systems." He didn't know much, just the basics. The only thing that came clearly to mind was that anime where the protagonist reincarnates as a slime. Something like that… I guess, he thought.He took a deep breath and pressed his fingers into the mattress."System," he murmured, tense with uncertainty.
As soon as he said it, a floating screen appeared in front of him with a faint blue glow. Liam flinched slightly in surprise before pulling himself together.
[ENTITY DEVOURING SYSTEM]
Host: LiamAge: 10 years
SkillsObservationProtection of memories
System synchronization: 10%
Guide
Liam frowned. He leaned in, as if looking closer would somehow change something.Is this all? he thought with frustration. He felt the system should be more complete, but… 10% synchronization explained a lot.
He carefully tapped the Guide option. A new tab appeared.
Guide:
The host must kill or banish supernatural creatures to absorb some of their abilities.
To improve synchronization, the host must kill or banish supernatural creatures; it can also increase by being near a paranormal entity for a long time, but this option is much slower.
The host has an inventory that can only store system items.
The host has a novice gift; just say "novice gift" out loud to open it.
Liam read everything in silence, not blinking. Each line seemed to add more weight to his shoulders. He let himself fall backward, propping his hands on the bed behind him.So… killing supernatural entities.A shiver ran down his spine. He couldn't help it.
If the system demanded something that extreme, this world wasn't as simple as it looked. He had already encountered Carrie… but she wasn't a threat. She was a victim. An anomaly. A sign.The next creatures… probably wouldn't be as harmless. And if the system was called "Devouring System," it was clear what kind of universe he was in.
Liam placed a hand on his forehead, massaging his temples as if the stress were too much for a ten-year-old.
Horror movies… series… monsters from stories that should have been fiction.He felt a knot forming in his stomach.
He looked at the floating screen again.I have to keep Carrie very close… he thought with sudden determination. If she was a supernatural entity, her mere presence made him stronger. And he would need that. A lot.
"I'm still weak…" he whispered, clenching his fists.
He wasn't stupid. Going out to look for dangerous entities now would be suicide. He needed time, strength… preparation.
Besides, Carrie wasn't just useful. Her future telekinesis was terrifying and extraordinary, and Liam knew what she showed in the movie wasn't even close to her real limit.He wouldn't let her story end like it did there. Not when he could intervene. Not when she needed someone… like him.
Liam lay back slowly on the bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling responsibility, fear, and determination churn in his chest like a storm just beginning.
He should open the novice gift…That thought circled in his mind for a few seconds as he breathed deeply, a small knot of anticipation tightening in his chest. Finally, he murmured softly:
"Novice gift…"
The moment he finished speaking, a gentle vibration rippled through the air in front of him. Liam opened his eyes slightly, leaning forward as he watched a gift box slowly materialize. It floated at chest height, rotating softly with a faint glow.
The lid began to open by itself, letting out a bright light that bathed the room in warm color. Liam squinted and raised a hand to shield himself.
When the light finally died down, all that remained was a glowing sphere, trembling gently as if breathing. The sphere flickered twice… and dissolved in a silent flash.
In its place, floating in midair, was a dagger.
[Rune Dagger] [Weapon – Rarity: Green]
Type: Enchanted weapon / anti-supernaturalQuality: Green – Rare
Use: Increases damage against supernatural beings
Description: A light dagger, forged in cold iron and engraved with three purification runes. The markings on the blade are delicate, almost ancient. They glow emerald green when a supernatural being is near, reacting to spiritual energy as if awakening. The edge vibrates faintly when held, imitating a soft pulse—like the weapon recognizing its host.
[Notice] System items disappear and return to the inventory when released by the host. Only if the host allows it can the item be given to someone the system recognizes with a friendship bond.
Liam reached out carefully. He paused for a moment, studying the weapon with a mix of excitement and nerves. Then he grabbed it. As soon as his fingers wrapped around the handle, a small shiver ran across his palm.
"This will be useful for defeating supernatural entities…" he murmured while tightening his grip. A faint, almost inevitable smile formed on his face.
Without this weapon… he probably wouldn't even be able to touch something without a physical body. Just imagining facing something like that made him swallow hard.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"Let's finish this with the last thing left to investigate."
He looked again at the system screen still floating in front of him. His eyes moved to his two abilities.He tapped Observation first; the interface reacted instantly.
Observation: Allows you to see the information of supernatural beings.
Liam nodded slowly.
"Simple… but useful," he whispered, running his thumb along the dagger's edge without even noticing.
Then he tapped the second ability.
Protection of Memories: Protects your memories of your past life from supernatural entities.
Liam's eyes widened. His breath quickened for a moment before a warm wave of relief washed over him. His shoulders almost dropped.
"Yes…!" he exhaled with a tired smile. "It's exactly what I needed most."
The mere idea of creatures able to read his mind… see his fears… or manipulate him sent a cold shiver through his spine.If any of them discovered everything he knew about horror stories that could exist in this world… it would be disastrous.
That's why, when the ability confirmed that protection, Liam let out a long breath. It felt like an invisible weight had been lifted from his chest.
He spent the rest of the day experimenting with the system. He walked around the room, testing small things: thinking commands, imagining actions, forming mental orders. To his surprise, he didn't need to speak or touch anything. Just thinking it was enough.
And the most striking part was the dagger's mechanic:Every time he let go of it, it disappeared.Every time he wanted it, it appeared directly in his hand.
A perfect ability for combat… or an emergency.
The sky was already dark when he finished testing everything. The room filled with calm shadows, and exhaustion finally began to settle in. With a soft yawn, Liam let his body fall onto the bed, sinking into the sheets.
Tomorrow he had important things to do.And now that he knew this world wasn't normal, he had more reasons than ever to grow stronger.
Liam was running at 5 a.m., the cold air hitting his face and fogging his breath. His steps set a firm rhythm along the empty sidewalk while his mind worked faster than his body.
I have to find Carrie today.Every stride carried that idea.I need to start changing her mentality now, while she's still young… I can't let her stay that timid girl who lowers her head and lets others hurt her.
He frowned slightly while running, remembering Carrie's dim eyes the day before. He shook his head.
Besides, I'll need her help in the future. Her telekinesis… will be key against supernatural beings.Just thinking about it sent a thrill down his spine.
But then his expression hardened.
I won't let her depend only on that.He clenched his fists as he ran.
She'll train with me. Strengthen her body. Learn to defend herself. And… that way I can keep her close. Synchronization with the system will grow faster with her by my side.
He finally slowed down until stopping. He bent forward, hands on his knees as he caught his breath. Then, calmer, he went back home and prepared for school.
While walking toward the elementary school, his gaze landed on a familiar house. The slightly neglected facade rang a bell.He immediately remembered the woman's screams he had heard several times while passing by.
Liam's body tensed.
That… must be Carrie's house.
The thought unsettled him. He quickened his pace, almost unconsciously, wanting to pass by earlier than usual in hopes of finding her.
When he arrived in front of the house and didn't see her, he felt a small sting of disappointment. His shoulders dropped a little, but he continued walking with long, hurried steps.
Two minutes later, turning a corner, his heart gave a small jump.
There she was.Carrie walking alone, looking at the ground like always.
Liam felt a smile appear effortlessly.
"Carrie, wait," he called out, raising a hand to get her attention.
Carrie flinched slightly at hearing her name. Her shoulders shrank as if expecting something bad. But when she turned and saw who it was, the tension melted from her face. Her lips formed a timid smile, small but sincere.
"Hi, Liam," she answered in a soft voice, still full of shyness… though steadier than yesterday.
Liam approached with a warm smile.
"Hi," he greeted naturally. "Carrie, wait for me outside your middle school today. After classes we'll go somewhere with few people to plan how we'll start your training… so they stop bullying you."
When she heard the word training, Carrie's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and excitement. Her cheeks reddened slightly and her smile grew without her being able to stop it. She nodded quickly, almost with childlike energy.
"Yes… I'll wait for you," she said with a spark in her eyes she hadn't shown in years.
"Then I'll see you this afternoon," Liam continued. "It's a shame I'm not in middle school yet. If I were there, you wouldn't have to wait for me… Well, next year I'll join. It won't be long. Goodbye."
Before she could answer anything else, Liam resumed running toward his elementary school.
Carrie stayed still for a few seconds, watching Liam's back as he moved farther down the street. Her hands gripped the straps of her backpack tightly, filled with restrained excitement.
For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel afraid when thinking about the day ahead.
Maybe… this year won't be as hard as the last one.