The Likely Rise of an Extra

Kiel inspected his stats again, his mind still racing over everything he had just read.

"Ether Hacking… it's not just about copying abilities, is it? Since its a set of skills then i can get more right?," he asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

[Yes as you level up, you'll unlock more abilities.]

"G-Great." Kiel let out a nervous laugh. "Sounds like fun."

Still, one thing caught his attention as he glanced at his stats again.

'Hmm, this skill has an MP cost...'

Remembering what Hyphen had said earlier, Kiel focused on his stats, squinting at the information until it shifted.

==========================

[Stats]

╰MP: F [■■□□□] 30/30

==========================

"Thirty MP," Kiel muttered.

"So that means I only get one shot at using this skill for now."

[Oh, look at you doing basic math. I'm so proud.]

"Your sarcasm isn't helping," he said, ignoring her words.

Moving on, he checked the other skills listed in the system.

==========================

[Skills]

╰ Dual Wielding

╰User can effortlessly wield two of a singular weapon.

==========================

"Hmm, I'm guessing skills are different from unique skills?"

[Wow you finally asked! Yes, skills are basic. Anyone can acquire them, so they're not special. That's why they're in the 'skills' tab. You keeping up, or should I slow down?]

"I got it," Kiel sighed, shaking his head as he moved to the next one.

==========================

[Skills]

╰Elemental Manipulation

╰User can manipulate at least one element.

╰Bonus: Due to user's Null affinity, the user has the ability to use all elements.

╰Elements: Null

==========================

"Seems about right," Kiel muttered, as he moved on.

==========================

[Skills]

╰Ice Application

╰Due to user's Ice affinity, the user can imbue attacks with ice properties.

==========================

"That's... an Aegesor skill," Kiel whispered, a lump forming in his throat.

The original Kiel, the one whose body he now inhabited, must have had this ability.

Kiel didn't know much about the boy whose body he now inhabited, but the thought of simply taking over his life left a bitter taste in his mouth.

It felt wrong.

Like stealing something priceless that could never be returned.

He remembered that Kiel had a sister.

And from the texts she had sent, it was clear they were close.

How would she feel if she found out the person she called "brother" wasn't him anymore?

That the real Kiel—the one she grew up with, probaby laughed with, and relied on—was gone, replaced by a stranger pretending to wear his face?

Then there were his parents.

His friends.

The people who loved him.

How could they possibly understand or forgive the fact that the boy they thought they knew had been erased.

Replaced by someone who doesn't even had any idea why he was in this world to begin with.

The weight of that realization settled heavily on his chest.

What gave him the right to take Kiel's place?

He clenched his fists, guilt clawing at him as he breathed.

"I'm sorry," he whispered to the void, not knowing if Kiel could hear him— if he was even still inside him or even out there somewhere.

"I don't know why I'm here, but I'll… I'll do my best not to ruin what you've left behind."

And yet, deep down, he couldn't help but wonder if that would even happen or be enough.

.

.

.

"Okay, so that's all the skills done. Now… System Inventory," he said, switching gears.

[Ah, the inventory! It's like your personal storage cabinet, only better. Limitless space, no weight restrictions, and perishables won't spoil. Impressed yet?]

Kiel raised an eyebrow.

"So, basically, a magical refrigerator?"

[It's NOT a refrigerator!]

Hyphen huffed, her voice full of indignation.

"Sure sounds like one,"

Kiel chuckled as he teased her.

[Spatial technology. Sophisticated. Magical. NOT. A. FRIDGE.]

"Alright, alright. Not a fridge," he said, still smirking.

[Unbelievable. You don't deserve this system at all.]

Kiel ignored her grumbling and moved on to the next feature.

"System quest…"

[Oh, you know what that is.Its basically missions, rewards, punishments if you fail. Except I'm nicer about the punishments... Usually.]

"That's… not exactly comforting," Kiel muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Finally, he moved on to the last feature that caught his eye: Abyss Training.

==========================

[Abyss Training]

╰Train in the abyss.

==========================

"...That's it? That's all the description I get?"

[You're welcome.]

Kiel narrowed his eyes.

"What does it actually mean?"

[It means exactly what it says. You go into the Abyss, you train, you become stronger.]

'That's it? Then... there's nothing to worry about.' Kiel breathe a sigh of relief.

[Oh and the enemies are always going to be five to ten levels higher than you are at base level, so, y'know, good luck.]

Kiel paled.

"Five to ten levels higher? Are you kidding me? That sounds like a death sentence!"

[It's called training, not a vacation. Real growth comes with risks. But hey, if you're scared, you can always avoid it. No shame in that.]

"I'm not scared, I'm just… cautious," Kiel muttered.

Though the thought of facing creatures from the abyss sent a shiver down his spine.

In this world it was said that the abyss was the origin of the Void Spawns, although it hasn't been proven by anyone yet.

Nobody in the novel had ever gone there, and now he could?

What if it was a trap?

What if the Void Spawns had lured him in to kill him by using this system as a carrot on a stick.

Now he was just overthinking things.

"What happens if I die in there? Do I come back, or…?"

[You could test it out. But hey, no pressure. I'm sure it'll be fine. Probably.]

"Yeah, no thanks. I'll pass for now."

[Suit yourself... coward.]

Kiel shot a glare at the glowing mark on his hand.

"You really know how to inspire confidence, don't you?"

[Hey, I'm here to guide you, not coddle you. You want a cheerleader, go find someone else.]

"Ugh"

.

.

.

After processing his thoughts, Kiel figured it was high time he headed home.

It was probably way past late by now, and his internal clock was screaming for sleep like it had been wronged personally.

He glanced around the room and down at the artifact resting in his palm.

He had achieved his goal for coming here— stealing one of the cheat artifact items.

He could almost hear the theme song of victory playing in his head.

Satisfied, he tucked it away in his pocket.

Now he could finally deal with the thing that had been bothering him: Sayuki's cryptic message.

Well, almost.

There was one other thing hanging over him like a storm cloud.

"Tomorrow's written test,"

He muttered with a defeated sigh.

He hadn't exactly thought this whole 'breaking and entering for an OP item' plan through.

Sure, he got the artifact, but it had cost him any chance to prep for the test.

He didn't even know if he'd be answering questions about this world's geography, advanced spellcasting theory, or something ridiculous like the history of enchanted potatoes.

He sighed again, more dramatically this time, as though the universe owed him for his suffering.

"Guess I'll just wing it, then," he said.

Because obviously, the best way to pass an exam in a world he barely understood aside from reading it in a novel was to rely on sheer dumb luck.

Absolute Genius.

.

.

.

After stepping out of the giant stone door, Kiel's gaze immediately landed on the mechanism that operated it which he had previously uncovered.

He walked over, his fingers brushing against the rod embedded in the system— the spark that powered the entire contraption.

His hand closed around it.

[What are you doing?]

Hyphen's voice broke through his thoughts.

"It's nothing," Kiel replied nonchalantly.

Then he yanked the rod free.

"Just a small precaution."

A precaution he wasn't taking lightly.

Whoever had reached this place before him and Leon was proof enough that this world wasn't sticking to the story.

The story had changed— maybe not by much, but enough to make him uneasy.

If there was even the slightest chance of someone else stumbling into this room, he couldn't let it happen.

Not even Leon.

Tucking the rod into his pocket, Kiel gave the mechanism one last glance, ensuring it was completely disabled before he turned and walked away.

He couldn't shake the feeling that taking this step was necessary.

The plot was no longer as predictable as be thought, and he was starting to realize just how dangerous that made everything.

The cave grew darker as he made his way toward the exit, the faint glow of the mana crystals on the wall lighting his way.

◇◇◇

12:14 AM.

Kiel finally made it home, exhaustion was weighing heavy on his shoulders.

As his hand twisted the doorknob, Hyphen's voice stopped him mid-motion.

[Someone's inside.]

Kiel froze.

"What?"

[Someone's in there.]

Hyphen's tone was steady but carried an edge of urgency.

He frowned.

He was sure he'd locked the door before leaving.

"Wait, you can sense people now?"

[It's... complicated. Were you expecting someone?]

"No."

Kiel's voice was low now, his confusion was starting to grow.

[Then be careful. Whoever it is, they're moving like they're searching for something.]

Kiel tightened his grip on the doorknob.

"Got it."

Slowly, he pushed the door open, the creak of the hinges echoing through the eerily quiet apartment.

The living room was dim, shadows clinging to every corner.

He reached for the light switch and flicked it on.

The room was empty.

Or so it seemed.

FWOOSH.

Movement.

A flash of motion caught his eye—barely perceptible but enough to set his nerves on edge.

His gaze darted to the curtain.

It fluttered unnaturally, and before he could process what was happening, the window slammed shut.

Kiel rushed over, yanking the curtain aside.

Nothing.

No one.

"Seriously?" he glanced around the room.

"You said there was someone in here."

Was he seeing things?

Hyphen's voice came through, quieter this time.

[I was sure…]

"You were sure?" Kiel sighed, shaking his head.

The adrenaline still coursed through him, making it hard to think clearly.

[...Maybe I was wrong.]

Kiel sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Whatever it was— if it even was anything—was gone now.

He secured the window, double-checking the locks on the door before heading to the bathroom.

.

.

.

Later, after a hot shower, Kiel flopped onto his bed, the events of the day playing in his mind.

He stared blankly at the ceiling.

"If only there wasn't this stupid test tomorrow," he muttered.

"I could just skip out on this whole school thing."

He closed his eyes, willing himself to relax.

Minutes later, he drifted off to sleep.