Ability Stealer

The system notification appeared in the corner of Andrew's vision like a small spark igniting a chain reaction of thoughts.

[Press your hand against his chest, like you're going to steal his ability. Once you activate your ability, think of giving him a branch of the Grand System.]

Andrew blinked.

Having the power to give someone access to the system felt like offering someone the keys to a kingdom—and trusting they wouldn't misuse them.

He stood abruptly, causing Qein, who was seated nearby, to glance up in confusion.

"What's with you?" Qein asked, his brows knitting together.

Andrew didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a steadying breath and turned to face Qein directly. "Do you want abilities?" His voice was calm but deliberate. "I mean, you're good at what you do. Better than most. But if you want to keep up—keep surviving—you need more."

Qein's reaction was instant and sharp. He raised an eyebrow, his expression teetering between incredulity and disdain. "Absolutely not," he said, his tone final. "Why would I want something so… disgusting?"

The word hit Andrew like a slap. Disgusting? The system? For a moment, he couldn't process the rejection. Every kid in his world fantasized about being connected to the system, about wielding abilities and shaping reality. But Qein's rejection wasn't just surprising; it was alien.

Andrew's mind raced. He could understand that Qein associates abilities with monsters—they had all seen the devastation caused by creatures wielding unnatural powers. But Qein knew better now. He understood the system wasn't the enemy. Or… did Qein not trust him?

Before Andrew could respond, Mella spoke up, her voice cutting through the tension. "Just because the system gives abilities, these powers don't mean its the same thing Bar-jui used," she said firmly. "It's different. If one of those ice gorillas had hit you just once, you'd be dead. What happens the next time you fight something stronger? What if you're not lucky?"

Qein's jaw tightened. He looked offended but kept his tone measured. "I've survived four years doing this," he said. "Without powers. Without the system. I'm happy it's working for you two, but I don't want it. I don't trust it. There's always an exchange for power like this. You might not see it yet, but one day, you will. And when that day comes, I hope you're ready for the cost."

Mella rolled her eyes so hard it was almost audible. "The system's been around for centuries," she countered. "If there was some hidden price, don't you think someone would have noticed by now?"

Qein shook his head, undeterred. "I don't want anything to do with it," he said, his voice unwavering. "And have you forgotten what happened to Bar-Jui? He was about to say he was immortal, but then he just… stopped talking, mid-sentence, like something forced him to shut up. And those ice monsters? They tore him apart while he was stammering that he 'didn't mean to say it.'"

Andrew and Mella fell silent.

Andrew frowned, the memory of Bar-Jui's death surfacing unbidden. He had noticed it too—the way Bar-Jui had suddenly gone quiet, like an invisible hand had pressed against his throat. It reminded Andrew of the pressure he sometimes felt, that subtle but undeniable force that kept him from saying or doing certain things.

And when he had absorbed Bar-Jui's ability, the connection had felt… familiar. Too familiar.

Andrew's mind churned. Could it be that Bar-Jui hadn't just had an ability? Could he have been connected to a system too? But if that were the case, it couldn't have been the Grand System. It didn't make sense.

Maybe… another system? Andrew muttered aloud, his thoughts spilling over. Like an evil one? Systems fighting each other because of different ideologies?

Mella shot him a questioning look. She was reminded that Andrew indeed wasn't allowed to say certain things, but before she could say anything, Qein smirked faintly. "I was right, wasn't I?"

"No," Andrew said firmly, meeting Qein's gaze. "I've said it before. The Grand System protects. Whatever was behind Bar-Jui and those monsters? That's different. That's clear as day."

"You're choosing to shower in your ignorance."

"Nice line. It's almost as cool as, shut the hell up."

Qein was surprised. "What I said hit a spot, didn't it?"

Andrew didn't want to admit it. Because he was certain that Qein was wrong. That the Grand System was different.

"No." Andrew exhaled, forcing himself to focus. "We should start moving," he said, brushing the conversation aside for now.

As he turned, his eyes caught the notification again. The message had shrunk into a small exclamation mark icon at the corner of his vision, as if waiting patiently for him to recall it. He chose to ignore it for now.

But then, another notification appeared, the system's timing as inconvenient as ever.

[Because of you and your recruits' failure in the last mission, you will not be assigned to any off-world missions until you and your recruits evolve into Tier 3 humans. If your recruits are not Tier 3 humans, their status as full-fledged recruits will be held back, as they cannot be completely trusted. Don't worry about being requested to terminate them—since they are recruits, they have been afflicted with part of the Grand System information branch and cannot spread confidential information.]

[To motivate you and your full-fledged recruits, rewards will be given when this goal is accomplished.]

[Motivational Reward: Gear Boxes (4)]

Andrew read the message, his mind catching on one particular line.

…cannot spread confidential information.

Qein's words about Bar-Jui echoed in his mind, weaving together with the message. What if the system did more than just empower its users? What if it also restricted them? Silenced them when necessary? 

He had experienced such thing's firsthand, but he thought that it was unique to him. But how could he know if it was unique to him if others weren't allowed to speak about it?

What if he wasn't as special as he thought?

He stopped himself from furthering those stupid thoughts.

When he went to Aeller, the guards at the village were shocked at what he and Mella could do. If others had been in that world, then news of people like him would have spread.

He couldn't tell people his ability or even write it, unlike the regular system chosen. He stood out from the normal folks.

Being careful and thinking was good, but being hyper paranoid did more harm than good.