Starting With SSS-rank: I Get A New Skill Every Livestream-Chapter 9: Sudden news

"Well, if you come across anything dangerous or strange, don’t hesitate to call us, okay?" the officer said as he turned back toward Kyle at the doorstep, his smile returning.

Kyle, still slightly shaken, nodded in silence. He closed the door and took a few steps back.

Moments later, he heard the engine start and the tires screech against the gravel. The officer had left. Still, to be safe, Kyle moved to the window and checked.

The car was gone.

Phew.

He staggered back and dropped into his chair.

What in the world was that?

[A person who sensed Genesis from your room and came to investigate.]

Kyle tilted his head.

’So... he wasn’t actually an officer?’

[The system scanned the badge. It appeared authentic, Host.]

Kyle hummed thoughtfully.

’Then that means awakened people are spread everywhere, working for the government as well?’

[There is a high probability. The Aether World is far too vast and violent to be completely concealed by any governing body.]

Kyle let out a slow breath and glanced around his room.

Can you check if he left any cameras behind?

[A thorough inspection would require the Host to activate God’s Eye.]

Kyle gave a wry smile.

’I’d rather not use that unless I’m prepared to face those unpleasant creatures again.’

After a brief pause, he asked,

’What else can you tell me about the Aether World?’

[More or less, everything.]

[The Knull is a parallel dimension connected to the human realm through several pinpoints, referred to by humans as Veil Points. The Nightmares you encountered do not require a direct connection to the Knull to survive. They feed on negative emotions and persist through lingering Absence.]

Absence?

[Positive energy: Genesis, abbreviated as Gen.

Negative energy: Absence, abbreviated as Ence.]

Kyle nodded slowly.

So the officer sensed Gen from me and rushed here.

[Correct, Host. When God’s Eye was activated, a large quantity of Gen was released. Additionally, the residual Ence from the Nightmares likely triggered nearby sensors.]

Kyle rubbed his chin.

’That makes sense. But does that mean every time I use those eyes, someone will sense me?’

[No, Host. There are currently no Nightwalkers in your immediate vicinity. This allowed the sensor to locate you with precision.]

Kyle paused, then frowned.

’You’re saying there are people around me right now... normal people... who are actually magicians or something similar?’

[Affirmative, Host. World governments actively suppress all information related to the Aether World. As a result, the people you encounter daily—friends, shopkeepers, even a newspaper delivery boy—could be Nightwalkers.]

Kyle bit his lower lip.

This was some next-level undercover shit.

While people like him lived ordinary lives, others fought monsters in silence to protect them.

Damn... this really is starting to feel like a fictional story.

After a moment of thought, he asked,

’What else can you do?’

[The system is pleased you asked.]

[The system is assigned to assist the Host by providing knowledge, maintaining records of the Host’s statistics, assigning quests based on goals set by the Host, and offering companionship to ensure the Host does not fall into depression and cease live streaming.]

"...Wait."

Kyle stiffened.

He had almost forgotten about that.

’One-Eyed... were you sent by him?’

[Affirmative, Host.]

Kyle’s eyes widened. ’So... he’s a Nightwalker too?’

[The system is prohibited from disclosing further information regarding individuals connected to the Host through live streaming.]

Kyle frowned. What was with this sudden air of mystery?

Getting up, he walked over to his computer. It was already too late to go online again. Inwardly, he asked,

’What else can you do for me? Can you go in details?’

[There are three primary features of the system, excluding general assistance:

> Stats

>Skill Book

>Quest.]

Kyle’s interest was instantly piqued.

Can you show me my stats?

He wasn’t a hardcore gamer, but he had played enough to understand what stats usually represented.

His expectations were not disappointed.

[Stats:

Strength: 6

Speed: 4

Endurance: 4

Intelligence: 8]

[The average stat value of a grown adult male is approximately 5.]

[The mortal upper limit is 10.]

[An awakened individual, however, may exceed this limit.]

[Note: Each stat encompasses multiple sub-attributes. For example, Strength includes exerted force, grip strength, lifting capacity, and other related factors.]

[Note: The Host’s current stat upper limit is capped at 10.]

[Increasing this limit will require the Host to undergo a Rank Ascension Quest.]

Kyle hummed softly and dropped onto his bed.

Staring at the floating panel, he quickly realized the problem. His speed and endurance were clearly lacking.

Is there a way to increase them without going through regular workouts?

[There are two methods available, Host.

First: Quests.

Second: Soul Points.]

Kyle didn’t think for long and asked,

’Explain’.

[The system can assign quests tailored to improve a specific stat designated by the Host.]

[Note: Each quest has a limit to the amount of growth it can provide.]

[The second method involves acquiring Soul Points from Nightmares and other entities originating from the Knull. These Soul Points may be used to directly enhance the Host’s stats.]

Kyle stared at the ceiling.

So...the notification he received upon making that meat paste earlier was something that would help him grow.

But then...why did he want to become stronger?

If he stopped using the God’s Eye, he would be back to normal. He wouldn’t see those nightmares again, and won’t be dragged into the Aether World again.

And there is a high chance, like that officer, someone comes to get him just because he could use Genesis. God knows what would happen to him then.

Given the number of Nightwalkers aren’t that high, they most probably would make him work for them.

He was contemplating what he should do when suddenly his phone buzzed.

Getting up, he picked the phone.

"God...I so don’t wanna pick up the phone." It was his mother.

For a brief moment he thought to just let it buzz...but when his eyes landed on the clock, he felt slight concern.

Unlike him, his other family members were all quite disciplined and punctual.

Then...why is she calling this late.

Unease settled in his chest as he picked the call and connected the phone to his ear, "Mo-"

[K-Kyle...y-your brother...*sniff*...he is in the hospital.]