"Ding."
[CONDITIONS MET]
[SYSTEM ACTIVATING...]
[ENTITY DEVOURER SYSTEM… ACTIVATED]
[THE HOST HAS ENCOUNTERED A SUPERNATURAL ENTITY...]
[KILL IT OR BANISH IT TO ITS DIMENSION TO ABSORB SOME OF ITS POWERS]
Liam was completely stunned, as if time itself had stopped around him. His eyes widened slightly, his breath froze in his chest, and a chill ran down his spine. For a second, he even forgot where he was; he could only stare into nothingness while his mind struggled to process what had just appeared before him.
"Did something happen?" Carrie asked nervously, tilting her head slightly. The sudden change in Liam's expression sent a wave of fear through her. She instinctively curled her fingers, searching for his gaze.
Liam blinked and snapped out of his thoughts abruptly. He shook his head lightly, as if chasing away a nightmare. "Uh, no… sorry. I just remembered something all of a sudden."
Only then did he realize he was still holding Carrie's hand, and he released it awkwardly and far too quickly, as if it had suddenly burned him. Carrie immediately lowered her gaze, as though losing that small contact made her shrink even more.
"Well… I have to go for today. See you another day," Liam said while staring fixedly at an undefined point. His mind was already racing with the urgency of finding a quiet place to investigate everything about the system. He rubbed the back of his neck tensely, trying to keep his composure.
"Uh, okay… see you," Carrie replied softly. She looked at her own hand—the one he had let go of—as if expecting to find the warmth of his touch still there. Disappointment subtly reflected in her eyes, and her posture slumped a little.
Liam noticed the gesture, that shadow of sadness Carrie couldn't hide. Something tightened in his chest. "I'll come find you tomorrow," he said more firmly, stepping closer to her as if trying to make up for the moment before. "I need to start training you so they'll stop bullying you."
Carrie looked up, surprised, her eyes widening slightly. A warm emotion spread across her face, breaking her sad expression. "Y-yes…" she murmured, letting a small, shy smile form on her lips. She nervously intertwined her hands over her skirt, unable to hide the hope those words awakened in her.
"Goodbye," Liam said, and without waiting any longer, he ran off toward his house. His footsteps echoed against the ground as if he were fleeing both from the system and from emotions he didn't want to acknowledge.
"B-bye…" Carrie whispered. The smile returned, discreet but real. She stayed there, watching him run until he disappeared from sight. Then she lowered her head, letting her bangs fall forward as shyness wrapped around her again… though this time accompanied by a small ray of hope.
Liam had already arrived home and was now in his room, sitting on the edge of the bed. The room was silent, barely lit by the dim 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 fragments of 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 regaining his composure.
[ENTITY DEVOURER SYSTEM]
Host: Liam Age: 10 years
Abilities: Observation, Memory Protection
System Synchronization: 10%
Guide
Liam frowned. He leaned forward, as if looking more closely could change something. "Is this all?" he thought in frustration. He felt the system should be more complete, but… the 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 staying near a paranormal entity for a prolonged period, but this option is much slower.
The host has an inventory that can only store system items.
The host has a beginner's gift; simply say "beginner's gift" out loud to open it.
Liam read everything in silence, without blinking. Each line seemed to add more weight to his shoulders. He let himself fall back, supporting himself with his hands on the bed behind him. So… killing supernatural entities. A chill ran down his spine. He couldn't help it.
If the system demanded something so extreme, then this world wasn't as simple as it seemed. 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 so harmless. And if the system was called "Devourer System," it was clear what kind of universe he was in.
Liam brought a hand to 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 form in his stomach.
He looked back at the floating screen. "I need 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 hunt 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 that what she showed in the movie didn't even come close to her true limit. He wouldn't let her story end like that. Not when he could intervene. Not when she needed someone… like him.
Liam slowly lay back 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 beginner's gift… That thought lingered in his mind for a few seconds as he breathed deeply, a small knot of anticipation tightening in his chest. Finally, he murmured softly:
"Beginner's gift…"
As soon as he finished speaking, a gentle vibration rippled through the air in front of him. Liam opened his eyes slightly and leaned forward as he watched a gift box slowly materialize. It floated at chest height, gently rotating with a faint glow.
The lid began to open on its own, releasing a bright light that bathed the room in a warm color. Liam squinted and raised a hand to shield his eyes.
When the light finally faded, only a glowing sphere remained, trembling softly as if it were breathing. The sphere blinked twice… and dissolved in a silent flash.
In its place, floating in the air, was a dagger.
[Runic Dagger]
Type: Enchanted / Anti-Supernatural Weapon
Use: Increases damage against supernatural beings
Description: A light dagger forged from 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 approaches, reacting to spiritual energy as if awakening. The edge vibrates slightly when held, mimicking a gentle pulse, as if the weapon recognizes its bearer.
[Notice] System items disappear and return to the inventory when the bearer releases them. Only if the bearer allows it can the item be given to someone the system recognizes as having a bond of friendship.
Liam carefully extended his hand. He paused for a moment, observing the weapon with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Then he grabbed it. As soon as his fingers wrapped around the hilt, a slight chill ran across his palm.
"This will be useful for defeating supernatural entities…" he murmured as he tightened his grip. A faint, almost inevitable smile appeared 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 what's left to investigate."
He looked back at the system screen still floating in front of him. His gaze went to his two abilities. He tapped Observation first; the interface reacted instantly.
Observation: Allows the user to see information about supernatural beings.
Liam nodded slowly.
"Simple… but useful," he whispered, unconsciously running his thumb along the dagger's edge.
Then he tapped the second ability.
Memory Protection: Protects the memories of your past life from supernatural entities.
Liam's eyes widened. His breathing quickened for a moment before a warm wave of relief washed over him. His shoulders nearly sagged.
"Yes…!" he exhaled with a tired smile. "That's exactly what I needed most."
The mere idea of creatures capable of reading his mind… seeing his fears… or manipulating him sent a shiver through him. If any of them discovered everything he knew about the horror stories that might exist in this world… it would be disastrous.
That was why, when the ability confirmed that protection, Liam let out a long breath. It felt as if 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 details: thinking commands, imagining actions, forming mental orders. To his surprise, he didn't need to speak or touch anything. Just thinking was enough.
And the most surprising part was the dagger's mechanic: every time he let go of it, it disappeared. Every time he needed 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 take hold of him. 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 five in the morning; the cold air hit his face and clouded his breath. His steps marked a steady rhythm on the empty sidewalk as his mind worked faster than his body.
"I have to find Carrie today." Every step carried that thought. "I need to start changing her mindset now, while she's still young… I can't let her keep being that timid girl who lowers her head and lets herself be hurt."
He frowned slightly as he ran, remembering Carrie's dull gaze from 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 chill through him.
But then his expression hardened.
I won't let her rely only on that. He clenched his fists as he ran.
She'll train with me. She'll strengthen her body. She'll learn to defend herself. And… that way I can keep her close. Synchronization with the system will increase faster with her by my side.
Finally, he slowed down until he stopped. He leaned forward, hands on his knees, catching his breath. Then, calmer, he returned home and got ready for school.
As he walked toward the elementary school, his gaze fell on a familiar house. The slightly neglected facade rang a bell. He immediately remembered the woman's screams he had heard several times when 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 earlier than usual in hopes of finding her.
When he reached the front of the house and didn't see her, he felt a stab of disappointment. His shoulders dropped slightly, but he kept walking with long, hurried steps.
Two minutes later, as he turned a corner, his heart skipped a beat.
There she was. Carrie, walking alone, her gaze fixed on the ground, as always.
A smile formed effortlessly on Liam's face.
"Carrie, wait," he called out, raising a hand to get her attention.
Carrie flinched slightly when she heard her name. Her shoulders hunched as if she were expecting something bad. But when she turned and saw who it was, the tension vanished from her face. Her lips formed a shy smile, small but sincere.
"Hi, Liam," she replied softly, still shy… though firmer 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'll stop bullying you."
At the word "training," Carrie's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and excitement. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her smile widened uncontrollably. She nodded quickly, almost with childlike energy.
"Yes… I'll wait for you," she said, 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, I'll be transferring next year. It won't take long. Bye."
Before she could say anything else, Liam resumed running toward his elementary school.
Carrie stood still for a few seconds, watching Liam's back as he moved away down the street. Her hands gripped her backpack straps tightly, filled with contained emotion.
For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel afraid thinking about the day ahead.
Maybe… this year won't be as hard as the last one.