NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Chapter - 3
As Kaito stared at the glowing screen, his eyes locked onto the last message before it flickered out:
"Reach Level 2 to reduce pain and regain mobility. Progress requires immediate action."
The words burned into his mind like a command. A spark of greed and desperation flared within him. "If I can reach Level 2 now, I can fix this... I won't have to endure this pain any longer," he whispered, clenching his fists. His body was broken, but his will was anything but.
A plan began to form in his mind. His current abilities—mind control, mind reading, memory eater, and memory alteration—flashed before his eyes. Ideas swirled as he thought about how to use these powers to advance quickly.
Suddenly, the faint sound of footsteps echoed from the kitchen. His heart raced as the rhythmic clack-clack of his stepmother's sandals grew louder. "She's coming," he muttered, glancing at the door.
He quickly lay back down on the bed, feigning helplessness. His eyes darted to the door as he heard her voice humming a tune, then growing closer. Calm down, Kaito, he thought. Make her believe you need help. Use this to your advantage.
The door creaked open, and his stepmother entered, holding a tray laden with a steaming bowl of soup, bread, and a glass of water. Her concerned face softened as she saw him lying there.
"Kaito," she said gently, her voice filled with maternal warmth. "I've brought food for you. Eat first, and then I'll give you your medicine."
Kaito struggled to sit up, wincing dramatically, though the pain was real enough to sell his act. "Mom," he groaned, his voice weak, "I'm in so much pain... and I'm so hungry. I don't think I can even move properly." His blue eyes locked onto hers, his expression both pleading and sincere.
Her brows furrowed, and she placed the tray on a small table by his bed. "Oh, my poor boy," she murmured, brushing his disheveled hair from his face. "Don't worry, you'll feel better after you eat."
Kaito's mind raced as he watched her. I need to level up. If I use my powers wisely, I can make this happen faster.
As she turned to arrange the tray, Kaito activated Mind Reading. Her surface thoughts flowed into his mind like a stream: "He's in so much pain... I need to help him recover... He hasn't eaten in days... I'll do everything I can to make him better."
A pang of guilt flickered in Kaito's heart, but it was quickly overridden by his hunger for strength. He needed to focus on his goal.
He activated Mind Control subtly, his eyes briefly glowing with a faint blue hue as he whispered, "Mom, stay with me while I eat. I feel safer when you're here."
Her eyes glazed for a moment before she nodded, her smile widening. "Of course, Kaito. I'll sit right here with you."
As she pulled up a chair beside him, Kaito picked up the spoon with trembling hands. His mind churned with plans to gain experience and increase his level quickly. If I can manipulate her memories, make her believe I've recovered slightly, I might be able to push myself further.
For now, though, he focused on the food, each bite bringing him a step closer to his goal. The warm soup soothed his throat, and the bread gave him the energy he desperately needed.
"Thank you, Mom," he said softly, his voice laced with both gratitude and calculation. Tonight, I'll reach Level 2. No matter what it takes.
After finishing his meal, his stepmother handed him some medicine. He took it without hesitation and lay down to rest. The food had left him feeling slightly drowsy, and the medicine, which contained sleeping pills, began to ease his pain. As the soothing effects took hold, his eyes grew heavy, and he soon drifted into a deep sleep.
Kaito's eyes flicker open. It's 5:00 in the evening. The golden light of the setting sun streams through the blinds, painting streaks of amber across his dimly lit room. He stretches, his body still heavy with the weight of a restless sleep.
Just as he swings his legs over the edge of the bed, a soft chime echoes through the silence, and a blue, transparent screen materializes in front of him. Its glowing text floats, precise and sharp:
"Target Assigned: Stepmother." (Eva)
The words linger ominously, the mechanical voice that follows devoid of emotion:
"Objective: Take control of your stepmother using your powers. Learn how to proceed?"
For a moment, Kaito remains still, his breath hitching slightly. A flicker of unease passes through him, quickly suppressed by the rush of curiosity. With a swipe of his hand, the screen changes, revealing intricate details about his abilities.
"Your body cells are uniquely designed for infiltration and control. Each cell is equipped to override biological systems, including neural pathways, of any host. Transfer methods: physical contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Proceed carefully—prolonged control may lead to unpredictable consequences."
His pulse quickens, not from fear but from a growing sense of power. The corners of his lips twitch into a smirk as his mind begins to churn. Every mind is just a system waiting to be rewritten, he thinks.
From the kitchen, the faint clinking of utensils and the sound of running water draw his attention. His stepmother is there, oblivious to the silent battle he's about to wage.
He rises slowly, his movements deliberate, each step toward the kitchen measured. He pauses just before the door, peering in. She stands at the sink, her auburn hair tied loosely, a few strands clinging to her damp face as she hums softly. She looks content, utterly unaware of the storm about to descend on her.
"Hungry?" she asks, sensing his presence without turning around.
"Yeah," Kaito replies, his tone casual. "Can you make me something to eat?"
"Of course. Give me a moment," she says with a warm smile, grabbing ingredients from the counter.
He leans against the doorway, watching her. There's something almost surreal about this moment—how normal it feels, yet how extraordinary it truly is. She moves with ease, humming a familiar tune, her every action oblivious to his growing anticipation.