System Sense

Kael stared at the folder on his laptop, the files still open like a window into a nightmare.

The Life System isn’t just granting power. It’s tracking people. Studying them. Some… disappearing.

He glanced at his phone. The app had updated again. Right beneath the new skill notification, a strange ripple moved across the screen like water.

> New Passive Unlocked: System Sense

Feel system-linked individuals or objects around you. Passive detection enabled.

Kael didn’t know what to expect—but the moment he looked out the window, it activated.

His eyes caught a man across the street, leaning against a lamppost. He looked like any regular guy—dark jacket, phone in hand, headphones on.

But Kael felt it—a pulse. Like static in the air, a low hum in his bones.

Linked to the Life System.

His breath caught. He blinked, unsure. Was it real, or just paranoia? He blinked again.

The man looked up—right at him.

They locked eyes for just a second… but that second felt like an eternity. The man smiled slightly, almost knowingly, then turned and walked into the shadows.

Kael’s hands trembled. He wasn’t the only one. And this man—whoever he was—knew exactly what Kael was.

His phone buzzed again.

> Main Quest Updated:

Track Down the Unknown User.

Objective: Identify the system-linked individual from tonight.

Reward: +1 Ability Point, System Upgrade Token.

Time Limit: 72 hours.

Kael stood and began pacing his room, heart racing. It’s escalating. Every step forward, the system gets more personal. More dangerous.

He needed help. But who could he trust? Who even knew about this?

He returned to the USB drive and began digging deeper into the files. Among the documents was a video clip, timestamped just a week ago. It showed a young woman, no older than him, fighting off two attackers in an alleyway. She moved fast—too fast. Then, suddenly, her body shimmered and vanished in a flash of blue light.

The file name?

> Subject #17 – Status: Unknown.

His fingers tightened around the mouse. She had powers too… and they came for her.

Just then, his phone rang. An unregistered number.

His instincts screamed, Don’t pick up. But curiosity won.

“Kael Riven,” a robotic voice said. “You are progressing faster than expected. But speed attracts attention. Be cautious.”

He froze. “Who are you?”

But the line went dead.

Silence.

He stared at the phone. A new notification blinked.

> Warning:

Your actions have triggered interest from a higher-tier Watcher.

Danger Level: Critical.

Stay alert.

The apartment suddenly felt colder, like someone else had just entered. Kael checked every lock twice. He pulled the blinds tighter. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

I’m not playing a game, he thought. I’m part of something bigger. And I don’t think I can back out.

He looked at the glowing screen, heart pounding, and whispered, “What the hell have I gotten myself into?”

---

End of Chapter 5

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***