Kai drifted in a sea of shadows, his mind adrift. He was in a dream, but this was no ordinary dream. It was vivid, terrifying, and felt agonizingly real.
He found himself standing in the ruins of his apartment. The walls were crumbling, the furniture shattered, and the air thick with the stench of blood and decay.
He called out for Aki and Ika, his voice trembling with fear.
"Aki! Ika! Where are you?"
His voice echoed through the ruins, unanswered.
Then, he saw them. Lying amidst the rubble, their small bodies broken and lifeless. They were surrounded by a pack of grotesque monsters, their fangs bared, their eyes glowing with malevolent glee.
A monstrous roar echoed through the scene, shaking him to his core. The nightmare monsters, twisted and grotesque, seemed to relish his pain.
He dropped to his knees, his heart shattering into a million pieces. Tears streamed down his face, blurring his vision. He felt an unbearable pain, a crushing weight of guilt and despair.
"No! This can't be happening! Aki! Ika!"
He reached out to them, but his hands passed through their ghostly forms. He was helpless, unable to protect them, even in his dreams.
He screamed in anguish, his voice raw and broken.
"If I were stronger… if I were just stronger than this... then none of this would have happened!"
The words echoed in his mind, a desperate vow, a solemn promise.
Suddenly, he gasped, his eyes snapping open. He was lying in a sterile hospital bed, the scent of antiseptic filling his nostrils. The harsh white light of the room stung his eyes.
He looked around frantically, his heart pounding in his chest.
And then he saw them.
Aki and Ika were playing near the window, their laughter filling the room. Maria was sitting nearby, knitting, her face etched with concern.
Relief washed over him like a tidal wave. It had all been a dream, a horrifying nightmare.
He called out to the twins, his voice hoarse.
"Aki! Ika!"
They turned and ran towards him, their faces beaming with joy. He reached out and pulled them into a tight embrace, burying his face in their hair. He held them close, savoring their warmth, their laughter, their very existence. He would never let them out of his sight again.
"Kai! You're awake!" Maria exclaimed, rushing to his side. "Thank goodness! You've been out for three days. We were so worried."
He looked at Maria, his heart filled with gratitude. She had taken them in, protected them, loved them as her own. He owed her everything.
"I… I had a nightmare," he stammered, his voice still shaky. "It was… terrible."
Maria squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with compassion. "I know, honey. You almost died in that dungeon. You pushed yourself too hard."
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind, clear and distinct, yet unfamiliar.
"Analysis complete. Target has awakened. Beginning integration."
Kai's eyes widened in surprise. Who was that? Where did that voice come from? It sounded oddly familiar, like something out of a fantasy novel.
He tried to ignore it, focusing on the reality of the hospital room, the presence of his sisters and Maria. But the voice persisted, growing stronger with each passing moment.
He tried to open his Status Window, and this time, it appeared instantly, shimmering in the air before him.
Name: Kai Alonzo
Rank: D
Stats:
- Strength: 18 (+5)
- Agility: 20 (+5)
- Stamina: 19 (+5)
- Intelligence: 28 (+5)
- Luck: 18 (+5)
- Unassigned Points: 35
Skills:
- Item Identification (Level 4)
- Tracker (Passive) (Level 3)
- Sharpshooter (Passive) (Level 3)
- Swift Footwork (Level 4)
- Dagger Mastery (Passive) (Level 1)
- Pistol Proficiency (Passive) (Level 1)
- Inventory (New)
Servant:
- Dark
- Rank: F
- Strength: 8
- Agility: 15
- Stamina: 14
- Skills: None
- Bond Level: Moderate
Kai stared at the Status Window in disbelief. He had leveled up so much! He was a D-Rank Hunter now! He had gained new skills, and his old skills had improved dramatically. And Dark... Dark's stats had skyrocketed!
He focused on the "Inventory" skill. As he did, a mental image appeared in his mind, showing a small, black space. Inside, he saw a single item: a black earring shaped like a miniature Shadow Gorilla.
He focused on the earring, activating his Item Identification skill.
Shadow Gorilla Earring
- Rank: D
- Description: An earring crafted from the essence of a Shadow Gorilla.
- Effect: Grants +5 to Strength
Kai grinned. This was incredible! A powerful artifact, obtained from his hard-fought battle.
He closed the Status Window, trying to process everything that had happened. He had almost died, but in doing so, he had become stronger than he ever imagined. He had a powerful servant, new skills, and a burning determination to protect those he loved.
He knew the road ahead would be long and arduous, but he was ready to face it, one step at a time. He would become the strongest Hunter he could be, and he would make sure that the nightmare he had experienced would never become a reality.
Kai closed the Status Window, trying to process the surge of information. He glanced at Aki and Ika, playing happily, oblivious to the immense power now surging within him. He had to control it, harness it, and use it to protect them.
Suddenly, the voice in his head returned, louder and clearer than before.
"Analysis complete. Designation: Master confirmed. Commencing communication protocol."
Kai froze. This was it. He couldn't ignore it any longer.
"Who are you?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"Designation: Sage. I am an autonomous support system, awakened by your unique potential and the convergence of specific criteria."
Kai's mind reeled. An autonomous support system? What did that even mean?
"Awakened? What are you talking about?"
"Your near-death experience in the Whispering Woods, coupled with your strong desire to protect others and your inherent potential, triggered my activation. I am designed to assist you in reaching your full potential as a Hunter and safeguarding those you hold dear."
Sage paused, then continued, "The system detected a unique synergy within you, a powerful resonance that has unlocked abilities far beyond your current understanding. My purpose is to guide you, provide information, and enhance your capabilities."
Kai stared blankly. This was all too much to take in. A sage living inside his head, awakened by his near-death experience? It sounded like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
"Why me? Why did you choose me?" Kai asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
"My activation parameters prioritize individuals with a strong moral compass, a deep-seated desire to protect others, and a latent capacity for growth. Your actions in the Whispering Woods, risking your life to save others and forging a bond with Dark, demonstrated these qualities. You were deemed the optimal candidate for my support."
Sage's words were calm and measured, devoid of emotion, yet somehow reassuring.
Kai took a deep breath, trying to ground himself. He was still in the hospital, his sisters were safe, and he was now connected to some sort of advanced support system. He had to accept it, adapt to it, and use it to his advantage.
Kai rubbed his temples, trying to absorb the sheer absurdity of the situation. A voice in his head, a support system, a bond with a Shadow Wolf... his life had taken a sharp turn into the realm of the unbelievable. He knew he couldn't just reveal this to anyone. It would only lead to questions, suspicion, and possibly even being treated as a freak.
"Sage," he said, his voice low, "I need to keep this a secret. No one can know about you, or about how strong I've become. Can you… can you somehow suppress your presence, so that others can't detect you?"
"Affirmative. I can minimize my external influence and restrict communication to internal channels. Your secrecy is paramount to ensuring your safety and maximizing your potential."
He breathed a sigh of relief. At least he had some control over this.
"Okay, good. And what about these stat points?" he continued, glancing at his Status Window. "I don't know how to allocate them properly. Can you… can you automatically distribute them based on what I need the most?"
"Affirmative. I can analyze your current strengths and weaknesses, and allocate the stat points to optimize your overall effectiveness. Do you authorize automatic distribution?"
"Yes, please. Just make me… stronger," he said, a hint of desperation in his voice.
As soon as the words left his mouth, the Status Window shimmered, and the Unassigned Points began to decrease.
The window displayed:
Automatic Stat Allocation in Progress...
Strength: 30 (+12)
Agility: 35 (+15)
Stamina: 30 (+12)
Intelligence: 30 (+2)
Luck: 20 (+2)
Unassigned Points: 0
Kai stared at his new stats, his heart pounding in his chest. The difference was staggering. He felt a surge of power coursing through his veins, a feeling of invincibility. He could feel his muscles tightening, his senses sharpening, his reflexes quickening.
"How do you feel, Master?" Sage asked, her voice calm and analytical.
Kai took a deep breath, trying to acclimate to his newfound power. The world seemed sharper, clearer, more vibrant. He felt a confidence he had never experienced before.
"I feel… incredible," he said, his voice filled with awe. "But what else can you do, Sage? What other abilities do you have?"
"I possess a wide range of analytical and support functions. I can access and process vast amounts of information, providing you with real-time data on your surroundings, potential threats, and optimal strategies. I can also enhance your skills, provide tactical guidance, and manage your resources."
Sage paused, then added, "One of my key functions is the ability to analyze the bio-signatures of other individuals and assess their potential. I can view their inherent capabilities, their weaknesses, and their likelihood of awakening as Hunters or possessing unique talents."
"You can see other people's Status Windows?" Kai asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
"In a simplified form, yes. I can analyze their bio-signature and project a limited representation of their potential."
A thought struck Kai. He had to know.
"Can you… can you show me Maria's status?" he asked, his voice hesitant.
A moment later, a faint, translucent overlay appeared in his vision, displaying a simplified analysis of Maria.
Maria Rodriguez
- Potential: Low
- Strength: 5
- Agility: 6
- Stamina: 7
- Skills: N/A
- Notes: Caring, Supportive, Lacks Combat Potential
Kai felt a pang of sadness. Maria was a kind, loving woman, but she lacked the inherent potential to become a Hunter. She was vulnerable, and he needed to protect her.
Then, his gaze shifted to Aki and Ika, who were still playing near the window. He hesitated for a moment, then asked Sage to analyze them as well.
The translucent overlays appeared again, this time displaying the profiles of the twins.
Aki Alonzo
- Potential: High
- Strength: 8
- Agility: 10
- Stamina: 9
- Skills: Latent Spatial Awareness
- Notes: Energetic, Curious, High Growth Potential
Ika Alonzo
- Potential: High
- Strength: 7
- Agility: 11
- Stamina: 8
- Skills: Latent Elemental Affinity (Water)
- Notes: Calm, Observant, High Growth Potential
Kai stared at the profiles of his sisters, his heart pounding in his chest. Both Aki and Ika had "High Potential." But what did those latent skills actually mean? He needed to understand them, to know how to cultivate them.
"Sage," he asked, his voice filled with curiosity, "can you elaborate on Aki's 'Latent Spatial Awareness' and Ika's 'Latent Elemental Affinity (Water)'? What do those skills entail?"
"Certainly," Sage replied. "Aki's 'Latent Spatial Awareness' indicates an innate ability to perceive and manipulate the space around her. This could manifest as enhanced reflexes, improved coordination, or even the ability to sense hidden objects or pathways. With proper training, she could potentially develop skills such as teleportation, spatial manipulation, or enhanced awareness of her surroundings."
Kai's eyes widened. Teleportation? Spatial manipulation? That sounded incredibly powerful.
"Ika's 'Latent Elemental Affinity (Water)' signifies a natural connection to the element of water. This could manifest as increased resistance to water-based attacks, the ability to manipulate water sources, or even the creation of water-based weapons or defenses. With proper training, she could potentially develop skills such as hydrokinesis, water manipulation, or even the ability to heal with water."
Hydrokinesis… the ability to control water. That was equally impressive.
His sisters were destined for greatness. He just needed to guide them, to provide them with the right opportunities and resources.
A wave of protectiveness washed over him. He would train them, guide them, and ensure they were ready.
He would train them, guide them, and ensure they were ready for the dangers that lay ahead. He couldn't let them suffer the same fate as in his nightmare.
He would become a shield against the darkness, a guardian for his loved ones. He was no longer just a novice Hunter, struggling to survive. He was something more, something greater. He was a protector, a guide, a leader.
He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. But first, he needed to get out of this hospital and start planning for the future.
"Sage," he said, his voice firm, "I need to get out of here. What's the fastest way to get discharged?"
"The most efficient approach would be to demonstrate a clear recovery and a stable mental state. Engage in conversations with the medical staff, express gratitude for their care, and assure them that you are feeling well enough to return home. Emphasize your desire to resume your normal activities and provide for your family."
Kai nodded. He could do that. He just needed to play the part.
He took a deep breath, plastered a smile on his face, and waited for the doctor to arrive. He was ready to convince them that he was perfectly fine and ready to go home. He had a family to protect, and a destiny to fulfill. The hospital was just a temporary obstacle on his path to greatness.
The doctor arrived a few hours later, his face etched with concern. He ran a series of tests, asked a barrage of questions, and scrutinized Kai's every move.
Kai played the part of a grateful patient, expressing his appreciation for the doctor's care and assuring him that he was feeling much better. He emphasized his desire to return home and take care of his sisters, painting a picture of a responsible and dedicated guardian.
The doctor seemed skeptical at first, but Kai's earnest demeanor and Sage's subtle influence on his responses eventually convinced him.
"Well, Mr. Alonzo," the doctor said, his voice cautious, "your test results are within normal limits, and you seem to be in good spirits. However, I must emphasize the importance of rest and proper care. Avoid strenuous activities, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of sleep."
Kai nodded earnestly. "I understand, Doctor. I promise to take it easy."
The doctor sighed. "Alright, I'll sign the discharge papers. But please, come back if you experience any complications."
Kai beamed. "Thank you, Doctor! You won't regret it!"
As soon as the doctor left, Kai jumped out of bed, his energy levels soaring. He felt like he could run a marathon.
Maria rushed to his side, her face filled with relief. "Oh, Kai! I'm so glad you're okay!"
He smiled and hugged her tightly. "I'm fine, Maria. Better than ever, actually."
He glanced at Aki and Ika, who were jumping up and down with excitement. He had to get them out of here, to start their training, to prepare them for what was to come.
He quickly gathered his belongings, thanked Maria for her support, and ushered his sisters out of the hospital. He had a new life to build, a destiny to fulfill, and a family to protect.
The world was a dangerous place, filled with monsters and threats, but he was no longer afraid. He had Sage by his side, his sisters to protect, and a burning determination to become the strongest Hunter he could be.
He stepped out of the hospital doors, into the bright sunlight, and took a deep breath. The future was uncertain, but he was ready to face it head-on.
"Alright, girls," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "Let's go home. We have a lot of planning to do."
Aki and Ika cheered and ran towards the bus stop, their laughter echoing through the streets. Kai followed behind, his heart filled with hope and determination.
As they boarded the bus, a nagging thought entered his mind. Their small apartment wasn't suitable for proper training. He needed a place where they could practice in private, without disturbing the neighbors or drawing unwanted attention. He dreamed of a small house with a backyard, a place where they could hone their skills in peace.
But his savings were meager, barely enough to cover rent and living expenses. He sighed, the weight of reality settling on his shoulders.
As if sensing his distress, Sage's voice echoed in his mind.
"I detect a financial constraint hindering your plans. I can analyze your current assets and provide you with strategies to maximize your financial gains. There are several investment opportunities available that align with your risk tolerance and long-term goals."
Kai's eyes widened. "You can help me make money?"
"Affirmative. I can access real-time market data, identify undervalued assets, and predict potential investment returns with a high degree of accuracy. I can guide you in making informed decisions that will generate profit and secure your financial future."
Kai was amazed. Sage was more than just a training assistant; she was a financial advisor as well! He grinned, a surge of hope coursing through him.
"Okay, Sage," he said, his voice filled with renewed determination. "Let's do it. Let's figure out how to buy that house."
He knew it wouldn't be easy, but with Sage's help, anything was possible. He was Kai Alonzo, and he was a Hunter. And with Sage by his side, he was ready to conquer any challenge, financial or otherwise. He would provide for his family, secure their future, and train them to become the heroes they were destined to be.
As the bus pulled away from the hospital, Kai closed his eyes and focused his mind. He had a lot to learn, a lot to prepare for, and a lot of work to do. But he was ready. He had Sage to guide him, Aki and Ika to protect, and a burning desire to succeed.
He was Kai Alonzo, and he was a Hunter. And with Sage by his side, he was ready to face anything.
End Chapter 6